Nissan issues 'do not drive' warning for some older models after air bag defect linked to 58 injuries

Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY
·3 min read

Nissan is issuing a "do not drive" warning to owners of over 80,000 older vehicles for a defect with Takata air bag inflators that can cause an increased risk of injury.

The automobile manufacturer made the announcement on Wednesday, reporting that one person has died and 58 others injured after air bag inflator-related ruptures, according to Director of Product Communications at Nissan, Dominic Vizor.

"Nissan’s do not drive warning is the most recent effort in an extensive, multiyear campaign to communicate the risk of driving vehicles with defective Takata inflators and urge drivers to complete the free recall repair," Vizor said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Certain vehicles in the following models and years are affected by the "do not drive" warning:

  • 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra

  • 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder

  • 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4

In total, 83,920 Nissan vehicles are affected by the notice.

Vizor said if an owner has one of the recalled vehicles they are encouraged to stop driving the vehicle immediately and contact their local Nissan dealer or Infiniti retailer to schedule a free repair. To accommodate the drivers, Nissan will be offering free towing options, mobile repair or loaner cars at select locations.

"Nissan Group strongly advises drivers not to drive affected vehicles until the free repair has been completed," Vizor said.

To check if your vehicle is part of this safety recall, please visit the Nissan or Infiniti official recall webpage at nissanusa.com/takata-airbag-recall or infinitiusa.com/takata-airbag-recall and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Here's what you need to know.

Video: Nissan SUV catches on fire in family's driveway; carmaker is investigating

Affected vehicle models

The following vehicles were already listed on the NHTSA website for a Takata air bag recall prior to Nissan's recall on Wednesday:

Infiniti

  • 2003-2008 Infiniti FX

  • 2001 Infiniti I30

  • 2002-2004 Infiniti I35

  • 2006-2010 Infiniti M

  • 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4

Nissan

  • 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima

  • 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder

  • 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra

  • 2007-2012 Nissan Versa

Takata air bag defect

Millions of cars with Takata air bags have been recalled in recent years. When exposed to high heat and humidity, the air bags can explode when deployed, leading to an increased risk of injury or death, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA confirms number of deaths from Takata air bags

In a news release, the NHTSA has confirmed that 27 people in the United States have died from a defective Takata air bag that exploded. At least 400 people have reported an injury by an exploding Takata air bag inflators.

In addition, drivers of older model vehicles can potentially put their passengers at a higher risk. The age of the air bag can be a contributing factor to a serious injury or death, the NHTSA said.

How many vehicles have been repaired?

According to data from the NHTSA, of the 1.07 million Nissan vehicles models with affected air bags, 1.02 million cars have been repaired.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nissan issues 'do not drive' warning for older Pathfinder, Sentra cars

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